Here’s how they DIYed their way to the finish line while balancing the tough times (“It was certainly challenging at times, as I’m sure any DIY couple would agree”) with the pinch-me moments (“Since we had so many mini projects intertwined in the larger kitchen reno, it felt like we were able to celebrate a handful of times together, which was really special”).

First Up, Demo 

Changing the kitchen from its original 8’ x 8’ square format to a galley layout (and effectively doubling the square footage in the process by busting out a wall) “was the absolute best decision we could have made,” says Morgan—and allowed for some special moments the couple didn’t see coming. 

First, “we had to relocate the range to the perimeter wall, which gave us the perfect opportunity to turn it into a focal point,” explains Morgan. 

That focal point turned out to be a white range hood cover curving down to meet the countertop: “What originated from the inner workings of my mind eventually came to fruition after a lot of planning, calculating, cutting, and assembling. The range alcove was truly a labor of love that turned into a showpiece that I now can’t imagine our kitchen without,” says Morgan. 

Then, by pulling the fridge in closer to the sink for functionality purposes, the Batteys found themselves with some extra space behind it. There was only one solution: putting in a wine cellar, which became “what we consider the nucleus of all of our main living spaces,” notes Morgan.

Snags in the Process 

The Batteys quickly discovered the intricate timing and order of operations required of a DIY.   

“The sink and faucet couldn’t be installed until the countertops were in and the countertops couldn’t go in until the cabinets were on the wall and the cabinets couldn’t go on the wall until the drywall was up and the drywall couldn’t go up until the electrical was done,” says Morgan. 

Due to delays, their timeline stretched from four to six months. 

Morgan even described the pit in her stomach when she woke up one morning to water seeping into the interior drywall where the couple was about to install backsplash tile. Thankfully no permanent damage was done. 

“In no way will I say that it was smooth sailing, but I do think that if you have the desire and the bandwidth to commit to a project as large as a kitchen reno, then you will absolutely be rewarded if you stick it out until the end,” says Morgan.

A Mix of Design Styles 

The Batteys aimed to toe the line between clean mid-century modern lines and a lived-in organic feel. 

“I looked for elements that had warm and cool tones and paired both clean and textured finishes,” explains Morgan. 

They achieved the vision by bringing in Semihandmade Tahoe cabinet doors for the “streamlined, mid-century feel we were looking for” but sprinkling in Spanish, Mediterranean, and Art Deco design influences. 

To create visual eye candy and break up the continuity of a long line of cabinets, they decided to create “unique zones” in the space and add in another cabinet style.  

That second cabinet style was Semihandmade Moss Quarterline, which was “love at first sight” for the DIYers. 

“The wood finish on the Tahoe doors really warmed up the space and added an earthy component that would have otherwise been missing from the room, and it’s mesmerizing to watch the Moss doors toggle back and forth between blue and green hues as the light changes throughout the day,” muses Morgan.

An Instant-Cool Result 

The Batteys don’t regret expanding their timeline: The extra months were what it took to dial in the details that took the space from cookie-cutter to awe-inspiring. 

“I’ll never regret taking the time to add unique elements throughout,” says Morgan, while emphasizing that stepping outside their comfort zone and a keeping a healthy dose of optimism were key to making the space their space. 

“My literal blood, sweat, and tears went into creating this kitchen and because of that, I feel so empowered, humbled, and grateful every time I walk in there.”